Three Tips To Keep Mold Out Of Your Closet

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Studies have shown that mold can grow pretty much anywhere if the place is dark, musty, and humid, and your closet is a space that can be all three if preventive measures aren’t put in place. Mold can wreak havoc on textiles if left alone to grow undisturbed, so those preventive measures can save you a lot of time and trouble. 

For the sake of both your health and that of your clothing  we’re going to share three tips (and maybe a few more) today that you can use to prevent mold and mildew in your closet:

1) REDUCE HUMIDITY

According to home maintenance professionals, enclosed closets suffer from restricted airflow that traps humidity and this is why mold tends to grow here. Using a dehumidifier in your closet will effectively remove damp from the air and facilitate circulation; this makes it a great accessory for your closet. You can also leave your closet door (s) open to encourage the flow of fresh, dry air. 

2) LIGHT

Mold and mildew need moisture to live, and you may be surprised to know that the warmth from a low-wattage light bulb can help keep your closet dry enough to prevent them from establishing a colony there. We recommend using an energy-efficient brand for cost savings. Do ensure that bulbs aren't anywhere near your clothing to prevent them from damaging your clothes or causing a fire.

3) AIR PURIFIER

Air purifiers are great for your health and they're also great for maintaining your closet's air quality, too. A purifier that includes a HEPA filter can trap airborne and fungi spores and prevent them from entering your closet space. Some products come in a hanger-like design that makes them easy to incorporate into any wardrobe. Remember to clean your unit every week, so your filters stay mold-free.

And a few more tips:

Even if you put in place the tips we have suggested today, they can only do so much if your wet clothes - such as sweaty athletic wear or wet shoes from a rainy day - end up in your closet, so be sure that anything entering your closet is dry and clean. You can let your shoes dry on the porch and immediately place all sweaty garments into the washer, instead, to prevent fungi from growing on your clothes and all that extra moisture from evaporating into your closet space. 

Installing wire shelving is yet another tip to help you keep your closet safe from a mold invasion. As we already mentioned, a space with poor airflow is one of the prime environments for mold to grow in, so it helps to build your closets with free airflow in mind. Wire shelving allows air to circulate, even between your clothes. 

If you experience a mold invasion, call us here at SERVPRO of North Nashville. We have all the equipment and training needed to manage mold, both in remediation and in prevention. We also handle cleanup projects of all sizes, as well as fire damage and water damage. We can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, as well. This franchise is independently owned and operated.